Rhode Island
Sports Betting
Your complete guide to legal sports betting in the Ocean State. Rhode Island operates a state-run monopoly — Sportsbook RI (powered by IGT via Ballys Corporation) is the only legal sportsbook. A 2026 expansion bill could finally bring competition to the market by November.
Sportsbook Rhode Island
Rhode Island has the most centralized sports betting market in the US — the state Lottery directly operates sports wagering through Sportsbook RI, powered by IGT technology and hosted via Ballys Corporations two casinos. The state receives 51% of GGR, Ballys takes another 17% as the host facility, leaving just 32% of revenue with the sportsbook.
Sportsbook Rhode Island
Exclusive State Operator- The ONLY legal sportsbook in Rhode Island
- Operated by the Rhode Island Lottery
- Powered by IGT (formerly William Hill US)
- Hosted through Ballys Corporation servers
- Available at Ballys Twin River (Lincoln) + Tiverton
- Mobile app for iOS and Android since Sep 2019
- 51% tax rate — among the highest in the US
- ~$110M in total taxes collected since 2018
The 2 Ballys Sportsbook Locations
Both retail sportsbooks in Rhode Island are operated by Ballys Corporation, which acquired Twin River Worldwide Holdings in 2020 and rebranded. Retail has a lower age minimum (18+) compared to mobile (21+).
Ballys Twin River Lincoln
📍 Lincoln, Rhode IslandThe flagship RI casino and host of the states first legal post-PASPA sports bet in November 2018. Full sportsbook lounge with betting kiosks and staffed windows.
Ballys Tiverton Casino Hotel
📍 Tiverton, Rhode IslandThe states second retail sportsbook, located near the MA border. Also operated by Ballys Corporation with identical offerings to Twin River.
The 2026 Market Expansion
For the first time since 2018, Rhode Island is opening its sports betting market to competition. The Senate passed SB 748 in June 2025 to end the IGT exclusive contract and award additional licenses starting in early 2026.
📋 How It Works
SB 748 directs the RI Lottery to not renew any existing sports-wagering vendor contracts after July 1, 2026, and to issue an open invitation for applications. The state will award at least one new license by November 2026. Applications were due February 19, 2026.
🎯 Interested Bidders
Eight companies expressed interest in the Rhode Island market over the summer of 2025 — including DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM (the top 3 US sportsbooks). Providence-based Ballys Corporation, the current monopoly holder, has also said it will apply to keep its market position.
💰 Why Expand?
A May 2025 Spectrum Gaming Group report commissioned by the state recommended adding 4-6 new vendors. The report noted that RI bettors lose out to neighboring Massachusetts (7 operators) and Connecticut (3 operators), and that handle has stagnated at roughly $400M annually versus much larger neighbors.
⚠️ The Tax Question
The big unknown is what happens to the 51% tax rate. Adding competitive operators would typically require lowering the tax rate to attract commercial interest. Bally Corporation has dominated at 51% only because it also controls the casino hosting fees. Expect the rate to drop closer to 20-25% with new entrants.
How to Bet in Rhode Island
With only one operator and two retail locations, getting started in RI is simple. Pay attention to the age rules.
Choose Your Method
You can bet in person at Ballys Twin River or Tiverton, or use the Sportsbook RI mobile app statewide. Retail has a lower age minimum (18+) while mobile requires 21+.
Verify Your Age
Retail sports betting requires you to be 18 or older at Ballys casinos. Mobile betting through Sportsbook RI requires 21+. Both require government-issued ID for verification.
Deposit or Use Cash
At retail, use cash at the window or kiosk. For mobile, deposit via debit card, ACH, PayPal, or Play+. Sportsbook RI has a $10 minimum deposit.
Place Your Bet
Browse moneylines, spreads, totals, parlays, and futures. Note that in-state college teams (URI Rams, Providence Friars) cannot be bet on — this is a strict RI rule.
What Can You Bet On?
Sportsbook RI covers all major professional sports. New England pro teams dominate betting volume since Rhode Island has no in-state pro franchise.
NFL
New England Patriots — Tom Brady era finally over, Drake Maye development era begins. Full NFL markets
MLB
Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park — 9-time World Series champions, beloved across Rhode Island
NBA
Boston Celtics — 2024 NBA Champions with 18 total banners. Player props, spreads, totals, futures
NHL
Boston Bruins at TD Garden — Original Six franchise, huge RI fanbase despite no in-state team
College Sports
PROHIBITED — Cannot bet on URI Rams or Providence Friars at all. Out-of-state college betting is allowed
UFC / MMA
Title fights, main cards, round betting, method of victory props — full UFC coverage
Soccer / Premier League
Premier League, Champions League, MLS, FIFA World Cup 2026 (Boston hosts matches)
Golf
PGA Tour, The Masters, US Open, LIV Golf — outright winners, head-to-head, and props
Rhode Island Sports Betting Laws
📜 Raimondo Legislation
Governor Gina Raimondo signed RIs sports betting law on June 22, 2018 — just weeks after the Supreme Court struck down PASPA. Rhode Island was one of the first states to legalize post-PASPA. The Rhode Island Lottery regulates and operates the market directly.
🏛️ State-Run Monopoly
Unlike most states, Rhode Island sports betting is run directly by the state Lottery rather than licensed to private operators. The Lottery partners with IGT for technology and Ballys Corporation for hosting — but there is only ONE sportsbook platform statewide.
💰 51% Tax Rate
RI ties with NH, NY, and OR as the highest sports betting tax rate in the US at 51% of GGR. Additionally, Ballys receives 17% as the host facility — leaving just 32% for the sportsbook operator. Revenue supports the RI general fund, education, and problem gambling programs.
🎓 In-State College Ban
Betting on any in-state college team (URI Rams, Providence Friars) is strictly prohibited. This includes pre-game, live, and prop bets. Out-of-state college betting is fully allowed including March Madness.
🔞 Dual Age Rules
Rhode Island has a unique dual age system: retail sports betting at Ballys casinos requires 18+, while mobile betting through Sportsbook RI requires 21+. This is one of the few states where retail is more accessible than mobile.
📱 iGaming Since 2024
In June 2023, Governor Dan McKee signed SB 948 authorizing Ballys as the exclusive iGaming vendor. Online casino (iGaming) launched March 5, 2024, with slots taxed at 61% and table games at 15%. iGaming has become a major revenue source — $14.4M in tax in its first 11 months.
Key Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sports betting legal in Rhode Island?
Yes. Governor Gina Raimondo signed sports betting legislation on June 22, 2018, and retail betting launched at Twin River Casino in November 2018. Mobile betting followed in September 2019. The Rhode Island Lottery regulates and operates sports betting through a partnership with IGT and Ballys Corporation.
Can I bet online in Rhode Island?
Yes, but only through Sportsbook Rhode Island — the single state-operated mobile app. Its powered by IGT and hosted via Ballys Corporations servers. There are no commercial alternatives like FanDuel or DraftKings currently available in RI.
How old do I have to be to bet in Rhode Island?
Age requirements differ by channel: retail sports betting at Ballys Twin River or Tiverton requires you to be 18 or older. Mobile betting through Sportsbook RI requires you to be 21 or older. Both require valid government-issued ID.
Why is there only one sportsbook in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island operates sports betting as a state monopoly through the RI Lottery. The state chose a single-operator model to maximize tax revenue — RI takes 51% of GGR (tied with NH, NY, OR as the highest in the US). An additional 17% goes to Ballys Corporation as the host facility, leaving only 32% of GGR with the sportsbook. This model was designed for revenue, not consumer choice.
Is the RI market expanding in 2026?
Possibly. In June 2025, the RI Senate passed amended SB 748, which would end the IGT exclusive contract and open the market to 3-5 competing sportsbooks starting in early 2026. The Rhode Island Lottery hopes to award a second license by November 2026, with applications due by February 19. Eight companies expressed interest including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Ballys. This would be the first real competition in the RI market.
Can I bet on URI Rams or Providence Friars?
No. Rhode Island strictly prohibits betting on any in-state college team including the URI Rams and Providence Friars. You CAN bet on out-of-state college teams freely — March Madness is fully available as long as URI or Providence isnt involved.
Do I need to be a RI resident?
No. Anyone of legal age (18+ retail, 21+ mobile) who is physically located within Rhode Island can place legal sports bets. Geolocation technology verifies your location within state lines. Residency is not required.
What is the tax rate on RI sports betting?
RI has one of the highest effective tax rates in the US. The state takes 51% of gross gaming revenue (GGR). Ballys Corporation takes another 17% as the host facility, leaving just 32% with the sportsbook operator. Individual bettors also owe federal taxes on significant wins (24% withholding over $5,000) and RI state income tax on winnings.
Why is the Sportsbook RI app rated lower than competitors?
The Sportsbook RI app, built on IGT/William Hill technology, has historically received lower ratings than commercial competitors like DraftKings and FanDuel. A 2025 Spectrum Gaming Group report recommended RI add 4-6 new vendors to better compete with neighboring Massachusetts (which has 7 operators) and Connecticut. The potential 2026 expansion through SB 748 is a direct response to these concerns.